The Squire

Fuck. I’m serving “his highness” again.

In case you weren’t aware: today, I’m stuck as squire to a renowned cyborg knight. Nobody knew his real name, but they often called him the Chivalrous Chevalier, usually in the most derisive of tones. After all, his claims to fame were his cheesy one-liners and utter need to compliment his enemies pre-battle.

But nobody dared insult him to face. While he did have the tendency to go on endless monologues (while twirling his mustache no less), he was a fierce and experienced fighter that extended the utmost civility towards all his opponents.

“I treat every foe according to the highest codes of conduct,” he told me once, as I helped oil his steed’s wings before a fight. “Then I kill them,” he added quietly, with a dead serious look in his eye. I merely shivered as he flew out into the fray.

“SQUIRE!” His voice rang through the stables. “My lance!”

I sighed and grabbed the weapon, painted and primed as he wanted it. He smiled when I entered the room.

“Good, good. You’ve done a spot-on job as usual, my dear Henry.” I mumbled a “Thanks” as he inspected the lance I handed him. “I wonder what planeswalker would have need of my services today?”

Just then, a rumble came from the earth. I saw him stop and cock his head towards the door. With a twirl of his mustache, he turned to me with a smile. “And so I’m called again. For the Order of the Widget!” He pat my shoulder affectionately and flew away.

I rubbed the area he touched as I watched him disappear at a distance. I sighed and walked away, hoping no one would notice my flushed cheeks and beating heart.

–
Image source: deviantart.com/devburmak/art/Chivalrous-Chevalier-MtG-716562554
First written December 17, 2017.
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